How are the Complete Prayer Rituals performed in the Confucius Temple?
Praying and Blessing Etiquette:
1. Follow the ritual rules to visit Dacheng hall.
◎ Enter the temple area through Hong gate.
◎ Go through Li gate (represents following the rituals and respect for Confucius).
◎ Enter Lingxing gate then Yi gate to visit Dacheng hall.
2. In front of Dacheng Hall.
◎ Display Offerings (every odd-numbered item).
◎ Offer three cups of tea (Provided by worshipper himself/herself).
◎ Perform Zhugao ritual. (Worshipper clenches fists and folds arms in front of chest, then respectfully looks at the tablet of Confucius and says one’s basic status and wishes).
◎ Finish Zhugao, then bow three times.
◎ Strike the wishing bell (one time).
◎ Ritual completed.
3. After the ritual, worshippers can continue to pay their respects at Chingsheng shrine, East and West side-buildings, and Hongdao shrine.